No one ever said Ironmans are easy and I was recently reminded of this truth at the IRONMAN European Championships. On a day where literally nothing went right, all I could do was try to fight through to the finish. While I did get across the finish and secure my slot to the
IRONMAN World Championships, in a race in which I placed so much focus, time, and energy, my performance was disappointing to say the least. I tested myself in Frankfurt and fell short, however the real test begins now. The real test is my response to failure, my willingness to fight back from adversity and use it to better prepare myself for the next challenge, the
IRONMAN World Championships.

I'm no stranger to struggle and my career has been full of ups and downs. While it isn't the easiest path to the top, it's my path and I embrace it. As I continue to progress through both success and failure I am reminded of a quote that has stuck with me for years, and in fact I used it as my senior quote in my high school yearbook 17 years ago:

Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

No single race result will keep me from knocking at the gate nor deter me from believing in myself and pursuing my goal in this sport. I know I will have more challenges to come and I know you will continue to face hurdles in your lives as well. Next time you encounter one, remember the true test is how you respond. Whatever your personal gate may be, don't be afraid to knock loud and long. After all, most of life's greatest fulfillments come from overcoming these challenges!

Stay humble, stay hungry!

IRONMAN Frankfurt European Championship

Tim O'Donnell's tough day at the office - July 3, 2016

Tim O'Donnell had a tough day at the 2016 Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt including everything from a broken chain to a crash out of T1. As always, the classy American was able to take it all in stride. Kevin Mackinnon interviews him at the finish line for
TriathlonWorld.com.

images top right and bottom row courtesy of Ingo Kutsche SPORTS-MEDIA Agency

Join me at the

Gluten Free Athlete Summit

August 4, 11 am - 3 pm

1600 Pearl Street in Boulder

Keynote by Timothy O'Donnell

The
Gluten Free Athlete Summit is an event hosted by
Udi's Gluten Free. The event will take place at 1600 Pearl St. in Boulder, CO from 11- 3 the week of IRONMAN Boulder. The event focuses on the benefits of being a gluten free athlete and how to eat delicious gluten free food. The day will include discussion with a certified nutritionist, a celebrity chef demo, a discussion with triathlete
Lauren Goss, and of course a keynote speech by our guest of honor,
Timothy O'Donnell. There will also be a short run with the CU triathlon team and Timothy, a raffle, and gluten free goodie bags for everyone!

Welcome New Sponsor

Wigwam Mills, Inc. is proud to knit its socks in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S.A., from wool sourced almost exclusively from American yarn spinners who buy from American wool growers. The offer a full line of high-performance athletic socks as well as dress, outdoor, work, and snowsport socks.

I am proud to wear Wigwam socks that represent honesty, integrity, and hard work! Learn more about the remarkable Wigwam story that dates back to 1905:
https://www.wigwam.com/about-us/.

into your jar of almond butter with the new nut butter filled CLIF bars. Warning: they are incredibly delicious and quite possibly addicting. Chocolate hazelnut is in the lead for favorite right now but peanut butter is putting up a good fight!